James is apparently not pushing for his podcast partner, JJ Redick, to get the job.

The Los Angeles Lakers will not be considering LeBron James as a candidate for head coach. It is assumed that the top player for the Lakers would have some influence over the process, if not a significant one. One story claims that isn’t the case, though. “On FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back,” Shams Charania of The Athletic stated that LeBron James has made it plain that this is the organization’s decision. “He hasn’t discussed his podcast partner JJ Redick with the Lakers. Additionally, he hasn’t discussed that role with JJ at all.”

Rich Paul, James’ agent, informed Charania that James does not want Redick to be his head coach with the Lakers despite the two of them co-hosting a podcast.

Paul claims that James only intends to play for two or three more seasons, as he has a player option for the 2024–25 campaign. Beyond that window, the Lakers’ preferred candidate for coach would already be in place. Anthony Davis may get even more committed in the selection of the next coach as a result. Davis has a player option for 2027–2028 and is contracted for two more seasons.

Sam Cassell and James Borrego are said to be the two leading contenders for the position. A former Pelicans assistant from 2010 to 2012, Borrego has head coaching experience with the Orlando Magic (on an interim basis) and Charlotte Hornets. Currently, he is an assistant with the New Orleans Hornets.After a 15-year playing career, Cassell spent 16 years as an NBA assistant, but he has never held the position of head coach. He presently plays for the Boston Celtics under Joe Mazzulla.

It is only logical to be skeptical of the notion that James would not be involved in selecting the Lakers’ next coach. However, as Charania notes, past coaching appointments and unmade deals may suggest that James does not hold sway on general manager Rob Pelinka and the team’s front office.